Lust on the Rocks, Dianne Venetta (4 stars)

From Amazon: One case away from partnership, Samantha Rawlings is forced to share her high-profile case with a sexy younger man, whose eyes are on a different prize. In the best interests of her client, Sam opens the door to his strategy. Turns out, a little too far...

Victor Marin has ulterior motives. The defendant in her case holds the key to his revenge, and his last chance for justice. But as he chases old demons, he uncovers a powerful woman with no inhibitions, one he wants to possess for himself. But decidedly single, Sam wants no part.

Until Vic walks away.

Samantha is a focused career woman angling to make partner, and Vic is a man bent on revenge. They come together with a combined goal, and heat and desire soon follow. Steamy love scenes and sexy scenery abound.

Thanks to the title, I expected sexy and steamy, and I was not disappointed. What I did not expect were such well-developed and interesting characters. There is nothing one-dimensional about this story.

The author builds the main characters by showing us their other relationships. Vic and his family were devastated by loss, one that defines the man he is now. Then there’s Samantha and her college-aged sister, Jessica. A story within a story is created when Jessica shows up on Samantha’s doorstep pregnant and not sure what to do.

I must admit… I hope there’s a story involving Jessica in the author’s pipeline. She’s young and damaged, but strong. However, I can see where readers could part ways on the pro-life versus pro-choice debate that ensues, even though I thought both sides were represented.

A guilty pleasure with the bonus of character development, I highly recommend it to readers who appreciate both romantic heat and story. Those readers who prefer a more straight-forward and light romance novel might need to skim through the moments of heavier material.

Rating: 4 stars

Note: I received a complimentary copy for review purposes from A Cozy Reader’s Corner Reviews. A positive review was not requested or guaranteed; the opinions expressed are my own. This review is part of a blog tour.